At the Time of Clear Weather
The narrative unfolds in a serene public garden, where nature's beauty reflects the inner emotional landscape of the speaker. The garden, vibrant with blooming flowers, symbolizes renewal and hope. The speaker draws parallels between the flora and personal sentiments, expressing themes of kindness, forgiveness, repentance, and gratitude. As the seasons change, the speaker's heart mirrors this transformation, revealing a rich inner life filled with simple yet profound emotions. The imagery of various flowers represents different aspects of human experience, suggesting a deep connection between nature and personal growth. The speaker's heart is depicted as a fertile field, nurturing these feelings, with a central tree symbolizing love and desire, particularly influenced by a maiden's gaze. The work explores the interplay between external beauty and internal feelings, emphasizing the importance of emotional cultivation. The speaker's reflections on love and the natural world create a harmonious blend, illustrating how personal experiences are intertwined with the cycles of nature. The overall tone is one of optimism and appreciation for both the natural world and the complexities of human emotion.
By Thomas Burke · First published 1922 · Genre: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism · 200 words
First lines
In the agreeable public gardens of Poplar The bushes are bright with buds, For this is the season of Clear Weather. There blossom the quiet flowers of this country: The timid lilac, The unassuming hawthorn, The dignified chestnut, And the girlish laburnum; And the mandarin of them all is the rhododendron.
In the untilled field of my heart Many simple buds are bursting. There is a little bush of kindliness towards all men. There is a slender tree of forgiveness for all wrongs. There is a humble growth of repentance for past sins. And around the field is a thick hedge of thankfulness.
What this Textopian page supports
At the Time of Clear Weather is listed on Textopian as a poem by Thomas Burke, dated 1922 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Poem
- Author: Thomas Burke
- Date: 1922 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Nature Writing, Romanticism, Philosophical Literature, Lyrical
- Length: 200 words
- Structure: 1 section, 3 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)
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- Work identity for At the Time of Clear Weather by Thomas Burke
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- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work employs structured verse and rich imagery, characteristic of poetic expression.
- Nature Writing — The text focuses on the beauty of nature and its elements, reflecting a deep appreciation for the natural world.
- Romanticism — Themes of love, beauty, and emotional depth align with Romantic ideals.
- Philosophical Literature — The exploration of inner feelings and moral reflections suggests philosophical undertones.
Tags
weather · nature · landscape · urban · city life · human experience · reflection · nostalgia · memory · seasons · change · beauty